Incinerator ash disposal system

ABSTRACT

An incinerator having a chamber in which combustion of miscellaneous products occurs to leave a residue in the form of particulate inorganic matter small in weight and volume, and a cleaning system which includes a compressor having a first connection to the chamber for directing air into the chamber for stirring up the dustlike residue and a second connection to the chamber for drawing off the dust-laden air into a cyclone filter or dust separator.

1451 Dec. 4, 1973 2,652,792 9 1953 Yellott...............,............ 2,627,827 2/1953 Elliott................ 3,716,967 2/1973 Doyle, Jr. et al. Primary EXaminer-Kenneth W. Sprague AttorneyHarold A. Murphy et al.

[57] ABSTRACT An incinerator having a chamber in which combustion of miscellaneous products occurs to leave a residue in the form of particulate inorganic matter small in weight and volume, and a cleaning system which includes a compressor having a first connection to the chamber for directing air into the chamber for stirring up the dustlike residue and a second connection to the chamber for drawing off the dust-laden air into a cyclone filter or dust separator.

11 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures F23g 5/00 110/8 R, 28 Y,

l10/l65 A 110/8 R, 110/49 R, 110/165 A H. Hapgood, Brookline, both of Mass.

Mass.

June 9, 1972 References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS I Umted States Patent Teich et al.

[ INCINERATOR ASH DISPOSAL SYSTEM [75] v Inventors: Wesley W. Teich, Wayland; William [73] Assignee: Raytheon Company, Lexington,

[22] Filed:

[21] Appl. No.: 261,182

[51] Int. [58] Field of PATENIED DEC 4 ms SHEET 2 OF 2 CONTROL AND TIM E R l INCINERATOR ASH DISPOSAL SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION.

cessful. Merely employing a devicesuch.asiacommon 1 vacuum cleaner systemin anincinerator achievessome; inefficient degree of cleaning, but; sufficient residue re,- mains to provide odor or other. objectionable condi'. tions. Furthermore, suchdevices were-made tooperate; on an individual basisas desiredlbyanoperator.

SUMMARY, OF THEINVENTION:

In accordance with this-invention there is provided an automatic ash diposal technique.whichefficiently.

performs its function as a sequence-in-.the operation;of a complete incineration cycle in:a domestic incinera tor. The system dcscribed'herein usestheimproved;

qualities of the fine dustlike 'ashgwhicli.is;.produced:by

an extremely efficient domestic incineratorsuchiasqthats which is shown and described in cope.nding U,.S;.' Patr. application Ser. No. 259,324,,filedJune 6', l,972; andz assigned to the same assigneeas the present invention.

This ash is a dustlike residue-of very.small particulate material which is extremely light in weight; dry, biologi+ cally inert, nonodorous, has no strengthor;stickiness.

and which canbe handled in an air stream,

The apparatus of the prese'ntinvention icomprisesanv ash handling system which includes an aircompressor connected by suitable nozzles and ducts; to the trash combustion chamber of an incinerator for theproper.

distribution of input and output air in thechamberwhereby the residual dustlike ash is-disturbed, agitated or pulverized and made to circulate inthechamberin a pattern which results in the ash being pickedup in the: air stream which is eventually drawn out-of the "chamher. The structure of the ash is thereby destroyedandi reduced to powder which occupies substantially less;

volume. The dust-laden air stream then is directedinto.

a bag where the ash is filtered out of the; air stream, and the bag is ultimately disposed ,of when filled, with the.'

filtered air continuing backto the compressor-forfur: ther cycling.

In one embodiment of the invention theduSt-Iaden; air stream is drawn into a cyclone typefilterordustn teredi-out ash.

of the inventionutilizing a filter bag for ash separation;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustrationof another embodiment of the invention utilizing a cyclone filter for ash separation;

FIG; 3 is a horizontal sectional view taken on line 3-3 of FIG. 4 looking in the direction of the arrows; and

FIG; 4 is a schematic illustration similar to FIG. 2 of I an embodiment of the invention which utilizes a cyclonev filter and water system for elimination of the fil- DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring more particularly to the drawings, there is showniinFlG'. 1*anincinerator 10' which may be,.for exampl'e,,the type shown and described in.the aforementionedzapplication Ser. No- 259,324. The incinerator 1.0;isschematically illustrated as including firewall defining a trashchamber 12 and aburner 14 which may beof' the.liquidefueledor'electric type. Not shown are other compartments or chambers,.such as afterburner, flue, etc., and for further details reference may be made. to said copending application.

control system. l6-including a sequence timer is connected to theincinerator components for initiating operationzof the bumer 14 in any desired manner, and also for; controlling automatically an air recirculating pump;18,.includingmeans for initially delaying combustion. pending preheating of the afterburner. The

controliandtimer is awell-known'type similar to those similarlyconnected into the chamber12 at a point reseparator for resultant disposal of the filtered-outapan ticulate in the bag. ln'another embodiment, watergis. added to the cyclone to suspend the. ash, ,andth'en:

flushed down the drain.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above and other objectives of the invention; -will-; become apparent from the followingdescriptiontakenw in connection with the accompanying. drawings,

wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of one embodiment on washers and other appliances. Therefore, details ofthis=componentzare omitted here.

IH'zfiCCOl'dQ-I'ICC' withthis invention an automatic ash removaLsystem-isprovided for removing any residual ashzwhich remainsafter an incineration cycle has been completed. Ithas beenfound that the ash resulting fromefficientandcomplete burning in an incinerator ofithe;type,for example,- as shown-in the aforementionedicopendingrapplication, will be a very light, dry, particulate matter, biologically inert and nonodorous.

This residueaccrues in extremely small amounts due to the extremely efficient combustion of the trash in the chamber l2iaszwell asof combustion products therefrom. v

Theash removal system shown in FIG. 1 includes an airzcompressor20 similar, for example, to those used in common'vacuum cleaners. However, other air compressors may be utilized with this invention. Compressor'20 is connected to one end of a pipe or conduit 22 which has itsother end extending through the wall of thev incinerator.10 and terminating within chamber 12 Ma position where the air being'forced into the chamberby thecompressor will stirup the residual dustlike ash and suspend it in a desired circulation pattern. Also mote from pipe 22 is one end of a second pipe 24 which provides means for exhausting the ash-laden air. Exhaust pipe '24 -is connected at its other end, through a closed container 26iwhich-is coupled to the compressor 2.0..1This pipe .24 and container 26 become a suctionv line-for exhaust of theair from chamberl2. Within container 26 is ardust-impervious bag 28 which has one end removablyconnected to the pipe 24 50 that the ash-ladeniair from-chamber 12 .will pass into the bag 28' which will filter out the ash while permitting the cleaned air to. pass back-into thecompressor 20. The container 28is, of course, provided with anysuitable access means (not shown) whereby bags 28 may be removed and replaced when filled.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that efficient is completed, a timer of thermostat, which is set to determine a cooling period sufficient to allow the trash chamber 12 to reach close to ambient temperature, activates the compressor 20. This forces air through pipe 22 into chamber 12, causing it to circulate in the desired pattern which results in ash residue being picked up in the air stream, which ash-laden air is then suctioned out through pipe 24 into bag 28 where the ash is filtered out, and the clean air passed back to the compressor 20 for recirculation. AFter several passes, the trash chamber is essentially cleaned of residue, and at the end of the preselected time period the timer in control l6 shuts off the compressor. No personal contact with the ash, or with the incinerator, is required at any time in connection with cleaning other than to replace the bag when desired.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a suction pipe 30 has one end connected to the incinerator chamber 12, similarly to pipe 24 in FIG. 1, and the other end is connected into the upper end of a cylcone filter 32. The cyclone filter 32 is a vertically elongated container having a narrow lower neck or end portion 34 to which is secured one end of a disposal bag 36. Bag 36 is, of course, impervious to dust and may, if desired, be impervious to air. The end of pipe 30 is introduced into the cyclone filter tangential to the inner surface of the filter, as shown best in FIG. 3, so that incoming ashladen air will be made to circulate within the filter, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 3. The ash or dust in the air will spiral downwardly and eventually will deposit in the bag 36.

A compressor 20 will create the flow of air into the incinerator chamber 12 through pipe 22, as in the FIG. 1 embodiment. However, an additional coupling pipe 38 is connected at one end to the compressor 20 and has its other end inserted within the filter 32. Pipe 38 is a suction line which serves to draw the filtered air out of the cyclone filter 32 back to the compressor for recirculation. This system provides an extremely efiicient way of cleaning the incinerator. Of course, the control mechanism 16, shown in FIG. 1, also will be used with this embodiment of the invention. The only manual effort required with this system is to periodically empty or replace the bag 36.

The further embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 4 includes the incinerator l0, compressor 20, pipes 30, 38 and 22, and cyclone filter 32, as in the FIG. 2 embodiment. However, instead of utilizing a disposal bag, this system embodies a pipe 40 which is connected by nut 42 or any other suitable means to the lower end portion 34 of the cyclone filter 32. The other end of pipe 40 is connectd by suitable means 44' to a drain system 46. The house water system is connected by, a pipe 48 and valve 50 into the upper end portion of filter 32 whereby,.when the valve 50 is open, water will be permitted to enter the filter 32 to flush the residual ash dust down the drain 46.

The valve 50 will, of course, be connected to the control system 16 (FIG. .1) so that it will be opened only during a cleaning cycle. It has been found that the ash produced by the described type of incinerator does not agglomerate and will not collect in traps or drain pipes so as to cause clogging. Disposal into septic tanks is also feasible. In this system no manual effort whatsoever is required in connection with incinerator clearimg.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that all of the objectives of this invention have been accomplished by the automatic incinerator cleaning systems shown and described. It is to be understood, however, that various changes in the structures shown and described may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention as expressed in the accompanying claims. Therefore, all matter shown and described is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

We claim:

1. Apparatus of the character described comprising an incinerator having a chamber therein for reception of ash following combustion, and means for cleaning ash from said chamber comprising filter means, and aircirculation means including a compressor for directing a flow of air into said chamber to pulverize ash therein and for suctioning ash-laden air out of the chamber back to the compressorthrough the filter means.

2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein a burner is mounted in said incinerator, and timing means is pro vided for operatingthe burner for a controlled time period, and subsequently operating said cleaning means after a predetermined cooling-off period.

3. Apparatus as set forthin claim 1 wherein the filter means includes a sealed container, and a disposal bag within the container mounted so as to receive the ashladen air, said disposal bag being impervious to said ash and pervious to the air whereby the ash will remain in the bag while ash-free air will continue on to the compressor.

4. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said filter means is a cyclone filter, and a disposal bag is connected to the cyclone filter for receiving ash separated from the air by the cyclone filter.

5.'Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said filter means is a cyclone filter having means for connecting a source of incoming fluid to one portion, and means for connecting a second portion to a drain.

6. Apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein said incoming fluid connecting means includes a valve, and

' timing means is provided for opening and closing the valve in conjunction with starting and stopping the cleaning means.

7. Apparatus of the character described comprising an incinerator having a burner therein for burning combustible products, a chamber for reception of ash following combustion, and means for cleaning ash from said chamber comprising filter means, and air circulation means including a compressor, a pipe connecting the compressorwith said chamber for directing air into said chamber to agitate ash therein, coupling means connecting said filter means to the compressor for directing air from the filter means to the compressor, and a second pipe connecting the filter means to the incinerator whereby ash-laden air in the incinerator is suctioned toward the compressorthrough the filter means.

8. Apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein the filter means includes a sealed container connected to said coupling means, said second pipe has one end extending into the container, and a disposal bag is attached to said one end of the second pipe to receive said ashladen air flowing therefrom.

9. Apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein said filter means is a cyclone filter, said second pipe has one end extending into the filter at one end thereof and at an angle such that air entering the filter therefrom will flow in a circular pattern, a disposal bag is attached to the filter to receive ash from said circulating air, and said coupling means includes a third pipe having one end connected to the compressor and its opposite end extending into the filter whereby filtered air is suctioned to the compressor.

10. Apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein the filter means is a cyclone filter, said second pipe has one end extending into the filter at one end thereof and at an angle such that air entering the filter therefrom will flow in a circular pattern, said coupling means includes a third pipe having one end connected to the compressor and its opposite end extending into the filter whereby filtered air is suctioned to the compressor, means is provided at the lower end of the filter for connection to a drain, and conduit means is connected to an upper portion of the filter for supplying for connecting the filter to a source of flushing fluid.

11. Apparatus as set forth in claim 10 wherein said conduit means includes a valve, and timing means is provided for opening and closing the valve in conjunction with starting and stopping the cleaning means. 

1. Apparatus of the character described comprising an incinerator having a chamber therein for reception of ash following combustion, and means for cleaning ash from said chamber comprising filter means, and air-circulation means including a compressor for directing a flow of air into said chamber to pulverize ash therein and for suctioning ash-laden air out of the chamber back to the compressor through the filter means.
 2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein a burner is mounted in said incinerator, and timing means is provided for operating the burner for a controlled time period, and subsequently operating said cleaning means after a predetermined cooling-off period.
 3. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the filter means includes a sealed container, and a disposal bag within the container mounted so as to receive the ash-laden air, said disposal bag being impervious to said ash and pervious to the air whereby the ash will remain in the bag while ash-free air will continue on to the compressor.
 4. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said filter means is a cyclone filter, and a disposal bag is connected to the cyclone filter for receiving ash separated from the air by the cyclone filter.
 5. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said filter means is a cyclone filter having means for connecting a source of incoming fluid to one portion, and means for connecting a second portion to a drain.
 6. Apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein said incoming fluid connecting means includes a valve, and timing means is provided for opening and closing the valve in conjunction with starting and stopping the cleaning means.
 7. Apparatus of the character described comprising an incinerator having a burner therein for burning combustible products, a chamber for reception of ash following combustion, and means for cleaning ash from said chamber comprising filter means, and air circulation means including a compressor, a pipe connecting the compressor with said chamber for directing air into said chamber to agitate ash therein, coupling means connecting said filter means to the compressor for directing air from the filter means to the compressor, and a second pipe connecting the filter means to the incinerator whereby ash-laden air in the incinerator is suctioned toward the compressor through the filter means.
 8. Apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein the filter means includes a sealed container connected to said coupling means, said second pipe has one end extending into the container, and a disposal bag is attached to said one end of the second pipe to receive said ash-laden air flowing therefrom.
 9. Apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein said filter means is a cyclone filter, said second pipe has one end extending into the filter at one end thereof and at an angle such that air entering the filter therefrom will flow in a circular pattern, a disposal bag is attached to the filter to receive ash from said circulating air, and said coupling means includes a third pipe having one end connected to the compressor and its opposite end extending into the filter whereby filtered air is suctioned to the compressor.
 10. Apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein the filter means is a cyclone filter, said second pipe has one end extending into the filter at one end thereof and at an angle such that air entering the filter therefrom will flow in a circular pattern, said coupling means includes a third pipe having one end connected to the compressor and its opposite end extending into the filter whereby filtered air is suctioned to the compressor, means is provided at the lower end of the filter for connection to a drain, and conduit means is connected to an upper portion of the filter for supplying for connecting the filter to a source of flushing fluid.
 11. Apparatus as set forth in claim 10 wherein said conduit means includes a valve, and timing means is provided for opening and closing the valve in conjunction with starting and stopping the cleaning means. 